Woman Buried Alive in Sand on Ocean City Beach, Death Ruled Accidental

Victim Ashley O'Conner

A 30-year-old woman was found dead, buried in the sand at Ocean City, and the medical examiner says it was an accident.

Ocean City Police say Ashley O'Connor of Plano, Texas was walking on the beach alone at 2 a.m. on Monday, July 31. Her body was found in a hole covered in sand a few hours later, on the beach near 2nd Street.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has ruled her death an accident, caused by asphyxia due to suffocation. The Medical Examiner and police have not determined whether O'Connor fell into the hole, or climbed in.

OCPD says the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ocean City Police Department Major Crimes Unit at 410-723-6604.